Anxiety: More Than Just Worry

Anxiety is a natural and often necessary response to stress or perceived danger. It helps us stay alert, focused, and prepared to face challenges. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, and interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.

At its core, anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness. It can be triggered by specific situations, thoughts, or even occur without an obvious cause. While occasional anxiety is part of life, anxiety disorders involve intense, excessive, and prolonged worry and fear.

Being aware of changes to the intensity of your anxiety allows you to take proactive steps toward better brain health. If you’re unsure, seeking professional guidance can provide clarity and support.

Smartphone displaying the word 'Anxiety' on a bright pink background with neon green scribbles.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: When to Seek Support 

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday things—like work, health, relationships, or finances—even when there’s no clear reason to be alarmed. The worry feels hard to control and may be accompanied by physical symptoms.

    You may experience:

    • Constant overthinking or worst-case-scenario thoughts

    • Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort

    • Feeling restless, on edge, or easily fatigued

    • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

    • Need for reassurance

    GAD is common and treatable. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication can help ease the mental and physical toll of daily anxiety.

  • Social anxiety is more than shyness—it’s a deep fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations. This fear can lead to avoiding social interactions altogether, even when you want connection.

    You may notice:

    • Intense worry before or during social events

    • Fear of speaking up, being observed, or making mistakes

    • Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, or trembling

    • Avoiding school, work, or social gatherings

    • Overanalyzing conversations or feeling humiliated afterward

    Support is available. Therapy (especially exposure-based or CBT) and medication can reduce fear and help you feel more confident around others.

  • Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations—such as flying, heights, animals, needles, or enclosed spaces. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger but feels overwhelming and immediate.

    You may experience:

    • Panic or dread when facing or thinking about the object/situation

    • Avoiding things that might trigger fear

    • Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or dizziness

    • Embarrassment or frustration about the reaction

    Phobias are common and highly treatable, often with gradual exposure therapy or medication to reduce physical symptoms.

  • Common in children but can affect adults, this disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures. It can cause distress in daily functioning, including school or work attendance.

  • This condition involves excessive worry or nervousness in response to a recent life change or stressor—like a move, breakup, loss, or job change. It’s not the same as a lifelong anxiety disorder but can still cause real distress.

    You may feel:

    • Restless, tense, or unable to relax

    • Preoccupied with fears about the future

    • Trouble concentrating or sleeping

    • Anxious thoughts tied to a specific event

    • Difficulty adjusting or coping

    Adjustment disorders are temporary and improve with time, support, and therapy. You don’t have to wait it out alone—early help can ease the transition.

Repeated word 'ANXIETY' with illustration of stressed woman holding head.
Infographic explaining anxiety, including types, causes, symptoms, and strategies for alleviation. Types listed are generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Causes include genetics, environment, and life experiences. Symptoms include nervousness and rapid heartbeat. Alleviation strategies involve deep breathing, exercise, and professional help.
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